Frontend Systems Developer (contract)

Role overview

You will help maintain and extend a web-based visual graph editor for manufacturing workflows. Users design workflows by creating and connecting nodes (materials/workpieces/tools) and manufacturing steps (processes/inspections), then the system validates the workflow against catalogs and strict data contracts and exports a schema-compliant JSON representation.

The work combines UI engineering with data integrity requirements (correct IDs, deterministic export format) and supports collaboration via version control integrations.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a React + TypeScript UI for a node/edge graph editor (creation, selection, multi-select, drag/drop, property panels).
• Implement schema-driven validation and JSON export (e.g., JSON Schema / AJV) with backwards-compatible outputs as schemas evolve.
• Improve performance and reliability for large graphs:
  • rendering efficiency, fewer re-renders, prevent UI jitter
  • safe persistence
• Support identity/ID workflow rules:
  • ID generation
  • transformations on copy/paste/import
  • “minting/locking” behaviors that freeze finalized fields
• Integrate with production workflows:
  • GitLab API for branching/commits/MR workflows
  • Methods API for catalog sync, offline fallback, and validation that blocks pushes when API is down
  • Okta authentication
• Ship end-to-end features (UI, state changes, validation, tests, and docs).
• Triage and fix bugs reported by manufacturing/process engineers (fast repro, safe fixes).
• Add/maintain unit tests for tricky logic (ID transformations, export validation, API sync behavior).
• Keep the build/lint/test pipeline healthy (Vite, TypeScript, ESLint, Jest) and manage dependency upgrades carefully.
• Collaborate asynchronously with a cross-functional team via clear PRs and strong commit hygiene.

What you’ll need

• Experience building complex, stateful UI systems (not just CRUD/dashboard apps).
• Strong React + TypeScript, including state management and performance optimization.
• Experience with graph/diagram editors or similar interaction-heavy UIs.
• Comfort with large in-memory data and UI/data synchronization.
• Experience with validation systems and deterministic outputs (schema and exports).
• Strong debugging skills in complex systems and ability to explain tradeoffs.
• Ability to lead ambiguous, cross-functional problems with multiple stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Manufacturing background (e.g., MES, process planning, or CAD/CAM adjacent tooling).

Contract / schedule / location

• Part-time, hybrid contract/freelance role.
• Location: Emeryville, CA (offices also in Santa Clara, CA).
• Hours: first 60 days 20–40 hrs/week; ongoing 10–20 hrs/week (minimum).